Two-thirds of poor countries slashed education budget due to COVID-19: World Bank, UNESCO - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Two-thirds of poor countries slashed education budget due to COVID-19: World Bank, UNESCO.

Cuts can last for a long time as the pandemic continues to cause economic losses and make fiscal positions worse, warns report

Two-thirds of low- and lower-middle-income countries cut public education budgets since the onset of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a recent United Nations report flagged.

Among upper-middle and high-income countries, only a third did so, according to Education Finance Watch (EFW) 2021, released February 19, 2021.

Education budgets have not adjusted proportionately to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, especially in poorer countries, the report by World Health Organization and UNESCO said.

Only one-third of upper-middle and high-income countries reduced their budgets, it added.

In 2018-19, high-income countries spent on average $8,501 per every child, way more than $48 in low-income countries. The pandemic has only widened this spending gap between rich and poor countries, the report added.

It warned that the cuts could last for a long time as the pandemic continues to cause economic losses and make fiscal positions worse.

It observed that the challenge was also about improving the effectiveness of funding. It found that despite increases in public education spending before the pandemic, the funding has only resulted in relatively small improvements in educational outcomes.

Although access to education has improved in low and middle-income countries, the learning poverty rate — the proportion of 10-year-olds unable to read a short, age-appropriate text — was at around 53 per cent compared to only nine per cent for high-income countries in pre-COVID-19 times.

COVID-19-related school closures are likely to increase this 53 per cent share to as much as 63 per cent in poorer countries, the report cautioned.

Global spending on education increased 21 per cent over the last 10 years, it said. From 2010-14, global spending on educational aid took a hit in the aftermath of the recession; but since 2014, aid to education increased 30 per cent, reaching its highest recorded level of $15.9 billion in 2019.

Funding for education grew most rapidly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where the gaps between the funding needed to achieve the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals and current allocations are the widest.

The pandemic also highlighted the critical importance of monitoring the patterns and trends in funding of education.

Tackling the global learning crisis and monitoring the impacts of the pandemic will require better information on how well education systems are functioning. This includes better information on the levels and sources of funding and how these funds are used to ensure that education is available to all.

The report has shown that more can be done with existing data sources to sharpen the picture of education financing. But efforts to build capacity and systems to collect and track education spending are also needed to improve both the quality and coverage of existing sources. (Source: downtoearth)

The above Article can also be read using the link below:

Two-thirds of poor countries slashed education budget due to COVID-19: World Bank, UNESCO.

Gwalior, Orchha in UNESCO world heritage cities list: MP Govt - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Gwalior, Orchha in UNESCO world heritage cities list: MP Govt.

An official of the government's public relations department on Monday said tourism experts have termed the inclusion as a major achievement for the state.

The historical fort cities of Gwalior and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the list of UNESCO's world heritage cities under its urban landscape city programme, according to the state government.

An official of the government's public relations department on Monday said tourism experts have termed the inclusion as a major achievement for the state.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an agency of the United Nations, aims at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.

"After getting included in the heritage city list, the face of Gwalior and Orchha will totally change and UNESCO along with the state tourism department will make a master plan for the beautification of the two places," the official said.

A UNESCO team will visit the state next year and after having a look at the heritage properties will prepare a master plan for their development and conservation, he said.

"The project will prove to be an example for South Asia.

Under the plan UNESCO will suggest best measures and resources for the development of these places under the Historic Urban Landscape recommendations, the official said.

Gwalior was established in 9th century and ruled by Gurjar Pratihar Rajvansh, Tomar, Baghel Kachvaho and Scindias.

The memorabilia left by them is found in abundance in memorials, forts and palaces in the area.

Gwalior is known for its palaces and temples, including the intricately carved Sas Bahu Ka Mandir temple.

The Gwalior Fort occupies a sandstone plateau overlooking the city and is accessed via a winding road lined with sacred Jain statues.

Within the forts high walls is the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace, now an archaeological museum.

Orchha is popular for its temples and palaces and was the capital of the Bundela kingdom in the 16th century.

The famous spots in the town are Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, and Laxminarayan Mandir, the official said.

After inclusion in the World Heritage City list, chemical treatment of historic spots like Mansingh Palace, Gujri Mahal and Sahastrabahu Temple will be done so that art inscribed on them will become more visible, the official said.

Guards will be posted at these places to welcome tourists as per the Indian traditions, he said. (Source: The Indian Express)

The above Article can also be read using the link below:

Gwalior, Orchha in UNESCO world heritage cities list: MP Govt

UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY.

UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY. Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has congratulated the people of Mumbai and Hyderabad for this unique distinction.

UCCN,created in 2004, is a network of cities which are thriving, active centres of cultural activities in their respective countries. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts a total of 246 cities.
The member cities that form part of the Network come from all continents and regions with different income levels and populations. They work together towards a common mission: placing creativity and the creative economy at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 7 categories for recognition under UCCN are as follows-
• Crafts and Folk Arts
• Design
• Film
• Gastronomy
• Music
• Media Arts
• Literature


Previously, 3 Indian cities were recognized as members of UCCN,namely-
• Jaipur-Crafts and Folk Arts(2015)
• Varanasi-Creative city of Music (2015)
• Chennai-Creative city of Music(2017)
Ministry of Culture is the nodal Ministry of Government of India for all matters in UNESCO relating to culture. (Source: pib)

The above Article can also be read using the link below:

UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY.

The Oonth Kadal project has made its entry into UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

The Oonth Kadal project has made its entry into UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

Germany sees Valley’s Mughal-era bridge unifying cultural heritage.

German deputy chief of mission to India Jasper Wieck, who on Monday signed an agreement on conservation of 17th Century Mughal-era bridge in Srinagar, said the move is aimed at reclaiming the part of our common identity.

“Cultural heritage unites us in admiration to the beauty. It has unifying impact despite diverse religious, ethic and nationalist identities,” said Dr. Wieck.
He signed the pact with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir chapter, next to the Black Pavillion at Shalimar garden, which was restored with German help in 2015. An amount of ₹32 lakh will be granted for the conservation of 17th Century Mughal-era Oonth Kadal, hump of a camel-fashioned bridge, located at the middle of the picturesque Dal lake.
“Germany has taken up 50 projects under the conservation programme in India at the cost of ₹ 8.5 crore. Such projects have a great socio-economic impact. From restorers, to up-skilling of artisans to attracting tourists, it generates a positive conditions,” said Dr. Wieck.
The Oonth Kadal project has come as a shot in the arm for the six Mughal gardens located near the Dal lake, which has made its entry into UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
“Oonth Kadal is part of the Mughal gardens. It’s the buffer in the lake and the bride would be used by Mughal nobles to reach the gardens. It opens up like a book towards the Zabarwan hills with Mughal gardens in its lap,” said INTACH, Kashmir chapter chief, Saleem Beg.
The entry of Mughal gardens into UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites reflects the acknowledgement of the creative genius, said Mr. Beg.
Built in 1670s, Oonth Kadal attracted foreign photographers and Bollywood directors, who shot many songs around it. Of late, it was crumbling due to the apathy shown towards conservation by the local authorities.
Meets Governor
Dr. Wieck also called on Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan and "discussed matters relating to further strengthening of the Indo–German understanding and about various political, economic and social issues relating to J&K".
"The two discussed including the development of modern infrastructure in various sectors like tourism, energy, aviation etc, launching of welfare schemes for old aged, widows, disabled and other disadvantaged sections of the society," said a Raj Bhawan spokesman (Source: Livemint)


The above Article can also be read using the link below:

The Oonth Kadal project has made its entry into UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

India gets 37th WORLD UNESCO World HERITAGE SITE - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India gets 37th WORLD UNESCO World HERITAGE SITE.

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai declared as a World Heritage Property by UNESCO in Manama, Bahrain today

In yet another landmark achievement, India’s nomination of the "Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai " has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The decision was taken at the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO at Manama in Bahrain today. As recommended by the World Heritage Committee, India accepted the renaming of the ensemble as “Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai”.
India has been successful in securing the inscription of the "Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai” on UNESCO's World Heritage List under Criteria (ii) and (iv) as defined in the UNESCO's Operational Guidelines.

This makes Mumbai city the second city in India after Ahmedabad to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. In the past 5 years alone, India has managed to get inscribed seven of its properties/sites on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. India now has overall 37 World Heritage Inscriptions with 29 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01 Mixed sites. While India stands second largest in number after China in terms of number of World Heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall sixth in the world.
On this historic moment, the Union Minister of State for Culture (I/c) Dr. Mahesh Sharma has congratulated the residents of Mumbai and the entire country for this landmark achievement.
In his statement, the Minister said that the international recognition to the heritage precinct of the city of Mumbai is a matter of great pride to the nation and it will boost the local economy in a number of ways. He also added that this achievement is expected to give a tremendous fillip to domestic and international tourism leading to increased employment generation, creation of world-class infrastructure and augmentation of sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and heritage memorabilia.
The Ensemble comprises of two architectural styles, the 19th century collection of Victorian structures and the 20th century Art Deco buildings along the sea, conjoined by means of the historical open space of the Oval Maidan. Together, this architectural ensemble represents the most remarkable collection of Victorian and Art Deco buildings in the world which forms the unique character of this urban setting, unparalleled in the world.
The Ensemble consists of 94 buildings primarily of 19th century Victorian Gothic revival and early 20thcentury Art Deco style of architecture with the Oval Maidan in the centre. The 19th century Victorian buildings form part of the larger Fort precinct situated to the east of the Oval Maidan. These public buildings include the Old Secretariat (1857-74), University Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), the Bombay High Court (1878), the Public Works Department Office (1872), Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sasoon Library (1870), the Elphinstone College(1888), etc. The Art Deco styled buildings to the west of the Oval Maidan were raised in early 20th century on the newly reclaimed lands at Marine Drive and symbolised the shift in expression to represent contemporary aspirations.
The inscription has been done under Criteria (ii) and (iv) as defined in the UNESCO's Operational Guidelines. Criterion (ii) refers to the important interchange of human values, over a span of time on development of architecture, monumental arts, town planning and landscape while Criterion (iv) refers to being an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage (s) in human history. This achievement is especially remarkable in the view of the successive inscription of another Indian city after Ahmedabad last year.
In addition, 42 sites from the country figures in the Tentative List of World Heritage and the Ministry of Culture would be recommending one property every year for nomination to UNESCO. (Source: PIB)


The above Article can also be read using the link below:

India gets 37th WORLD UNESCO World HERITAGE SITE.

India saw 82 internet shutdowns in 2017-18; highest in south Asia: UNESCO - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis

India saw 82 internet shutdowns in 2017-18; highest in south Asia: UNESCO.

As per the report released by UNESCO-International Federation of Journalists, Pakistan witnessed 12 cases of Internet shutdown, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reported one such case each.

People in South Asian countries experienced at least 97 instances of Internet shutdown, a barometer on freedom of press and expression, between May 2017 and April 2018, with India alone accounting for 82 such cases, according to a UNESCO report.
According to the Clampdowns and Courage-South Asia Press Freedom Report 2017-18, released recently by the UNESCO-International Federation of Journalists, Pakistan witnessed 12 instances of Internet shutdown, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reported one such case each.
Internet shutdown and deliberate slowdowns are increasing the world over and are now also a barometer on press freedom and freedom of expression controls. South Asia has witnessed the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally, with India earning the dubious crown for the country with the highest number of Internet shutdowns, the report said.
It said Internet shutdowns are any intentional disruption of the broadband or mobile Internet or Internet-based mobile apps, by an order of the authorities or threat of non-state party, to control communication or online content or slowing down the access to the general public.
In most cases, the justification given for Internet shutdown was to maintain law and order, while many shutdowns were either preemptive or reactive measures in the face of mass or potential violent public protests, it said.
In India, Kashmir Valley experienced nearly half of the cases of Internet shutdown in the country. Clamping down on communication generally followed military operations in which militant or civilians were killed, the report said.
Over 10 instances of internet being affected were witnessed in Rajasthan, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana were among states in which less than 10 cases of Internet shutdown were recorded, according to the report.
In the six biggest instances of Internet shutdown, India accounted for five of them while one was experienced in Afghanistan.
It said in Darjeeling in West Bengal, a 45-day Internet shutdown was ordered due to political demonstration, protest and clashes by activists seeking a separate state.
Similarly, a 40-day Internet shutdown was witnessed in Nawada in Bihar after communal clashes, while mobile Internet and social media were affected for 31 days in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent circulation of videos and photos showing alleged military abuse, the report said.
Mobile and broadband Internet were suspended for 15 days in Jammu and Kashmir in July last year after terrorists opened fire on a bus full of pilgrims, while SMS and mobile Internet services were suspended in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh for 12 days to stop rumours following violent communal clashes, according to the report.
The Afghanistan Telecommunication Regulatory Authority had directed Internet service providers to block telegram and WhatsApp services for 20 days. However, it was not fully implemented, the report said.
The report said apart from causing massive economic losses, they also create adverse social impacts in access to vital information and affect crisis communication by general citizens.
Slowdowns also impede the work of journalists in critical ways. When the Internet is blocked or slowed or social media is shut down, a valuable journalism tool is lost for research, verification and essential communication, it noted.
Internet shutdowns prevent journalists from freely accessing information and disseminating news and also stop citizens from accessing and sharing information, the report said.
They pose threat to human rights and block the people's rights to know, and have emerged as a significant tool of censorship by governments which are increasingly utilising shutdowns under the guise of security, it added. (Source: The Times of India)


The above Article can also be read using the link below:

India saw 82 internet shutdowns in 2017-18; highest in south Asia: UNESCO.